Chadwick Boseman is King T’Challa forever. So now, who will replace him as the next Black Panther? No spoiler here, watch the movie to find out yourself.
Whoever becomes the next Black Panther, one thing is for sure. You need to be tough, not just on the outside but also on the inside. Let’s take a look at the three amazing women warrior with everything it takes to be a Black Panther and how they stay so cool on screen and in real life.
Warrior 1: Shuri
Played by Letitia Wright, Shuri is the master creator of all new technology in Wakanda. As the sister of King T’Challa, she bears the same tenacity to carry on the Black Panther’s legacy. It takes more than just royal blood to helm the top role, and Shuri is ready to honour her brother’s story.
In real life, Letitia Wright is a big believer in mental health. She supports the use of rehabilitation to address issues faced by mentally-troubled people. Her recent film, The Silent Twins, tells the story of June and Jennifer Gibbons, twins with a troubled childhood. They suffered racist abuse in schools and only had each other as constants. The girls later committed several petty crimes and were admitted into a high-security mental health hospital, where they experienced “twelve years of hell”.
No one should have to suffer like the silent twins. If you or anyone around you faces bullying, seek help early. You’re never alone.
Warrior 2: Okoye
Best known as The Walking Dead’s tough cookie, Michonne, Danai Gurira reprises her role as Okoye. As a Wakandan warrior and General of the Dora Milaje, Okoye leads the all-female warrior special forces and personal guards for the King of Wakanda.
Danai Gurira is 100% focused on creating a balanced mind and body outside of filming. Her self-care plan includes squeezing in a workout in any downtime. For her, strength isn’t just physical. It’s plenty of mental work as she loves challenging herself to get stronger and faster with a never-give-up attitude!
Warrior 3: Nakia
Last but not least, Nakia is a War Dog, part of a specialised intelligence team tasked with collecting information for the safety of Wakanda. Being a former Dora Milaje, Nakia has all the skills needed to be the next Black Panther. Plus, being King T’Challa’s love interest, Nakia is emotionally invested in continuing what he started.
Lupita Nyong’O is just as strong in real life. Instead of just exercising to reap the physical benefits, staying active is her way of maintaining balance and building resilience.
Chadwick Boseman Forever.
In the light of his passing, this upcoming movie cements his role as the one and only King T’Challa forever. The storyline focuses on the next Black Panther as everyone grows through the grief of losing Chadwick Boseman.
The pain of grief can’t be measured nor felt in equal weight. We all feel it differently and manage it in varied ways. Learn more about grief here. We love each of the three women warriors for their strengths in so many ways. Losing someone close is never easy, and watching how they manage this pain encourages growth in all of us.
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While one of the women will become the next Black Panther, what Wakanda Forever really shows us is the inner substance and character strength in each one of them. Fighting emotional battles take a lot of strength and courage. If you have won some of those battles, be proud of yourself, you are a true warrior.
Bring out your inner Black Panther and own your mental health!
Bullying in any form or fashion is wrong.
Help is available. You can journey with us.
Grief is painful, but we’ll get through this together
Image credit: Marvel Studios
